San Francisco holidays

San Francisco’s surrounded by water on three sides, so there’s no shortage of beaches. And while strolls on the sand aren’t the first thing to spring to mind when you think about this city, you’ll actually be spoilt for choice if you fancy a lazy day by the sea. Huge belts hug the shoreline, while tucked-away coves sort you out with some more secluded sunbathing spots.

Ocean Beach is top dog around here. The four-mile-long stretch of soft sand extends all the way along the city’s west coast, and it appeals to everyone from surfers to picnickers. It may be the most popular sunbathing spot in San Francisco, but it’s rarely crowded thanks to its sheer size.

If you’re after a standout shot of the Golden Gate Bridge without the crowds, head to China Beach. Despite its small size, there’s plenty more to see here – like a monument to Gold Rush-era fishermen and a collection of rock pools, which appear at low tide.

You’ll find plenty of bargains on offer in the city’s Mission District – vintage stores are big business in this neck of the woods. And over in Chinatown, multi-storey shops and street stalls compete to sell all things Asian.

Westfield San Francisco Centre is your best bet for global retail brands like Zara, H&M and The Body Shop. You’ll find some all-American favourites here, too, like Hollister and Banana Republic.

You’ll find a scattering of designer stores, like Rolex and Tiffany & Co, in Westfield San Francisco Centre. But if they’re not enough to tickle your fancy, head to Union Square – the city’s main shopping hub. Cartier, Chanel and Gucci are just a few of the big names who’ve set up shop here.

San Francisco’s home to America’s only purpose-built jazz hall, SFJAZZ, which is a top spot for foot-tapping evenings out. Or, you could sip a couple of cocktails while you take in the views from Top of the Mark – a sky bar with more than a hundred different martinis on its menu.

Anything goes in this city, and the same can be said for its nightlife. Gay bars play host to legendary drag shows and mud-wrestling tournaments, and there are wild parties on the roster every night of the week.

This ever-popular seafood creation is a must-try when in San Francisco, and luckily for you, you’ll have no trouble finding places that sell it. It’s a potato-based soup made with clams, broth, onions and celery – all served in a hearty bread bowl.

This burrito originated in the city’s Mission District, hence its name. What makes it stand out from a standard burrito is its size, and the fact that it’s packed with loads of extra rice, so it’s a really filling meal.

The catch of the day is the main ingredient in this Italian-American dish – usually a combination of crab, clams, shrimp, scallops and squid. The seafood’s combined with tomatoes and wine to make a fishy stew, which is served with bread for dipping.

This starter's a bit of a local favourite. To make it, celery hearts are simmered in chicken broth before being chilled, then served on top of lettuce leaves with a dash of vinaigrette.

There’s a backstory to this popular San Francisco dish. In 1932, a bandleader walked into a restaurant called New Joe’s for some food, but the kitchen only had eggs, ground beef, mushrooms, spinach and onions left. They mixed them together to create this mish-mashed meal, which you’ll now spot on restaurant menus all over the city.